Med sundhedspleje og andre omkostninger, der stiger i vejret i USA, overvejer mange kommende pensionister, hvad der engang kunne have været utænkeligt:at tage deres pensionsopsparing og flytte til udlandet for deres seniorår.
Adskillige lande i Central- og Sydamerika, Europa og Asien kan prale af ikke kun lavere leveomkostninger og fantastisk klima, men også moderne faciliteter og avanceret lægebehandling.
Vi har gennemgået rejsevejledninger og de allernyeste oplysninger om leveomkostninger, visumkrav og andre faktorer for at finde 2019's bedste steder for en overkommelig og sikker pensionering i udlandet.
Følg med, mens vi tæller vores topvalg ned:15 nationer rundt om i verden, hvor pensionister nemt kan klare sig på besparelser på $200.000 – eller mindre.
Slovenien er en perle af en pensionistdestination i Centraleuropa. Det deler Italiens østlige grænse og er perfekt placeret som en base for europæiske rejser.
Ved siden af middelalderborge og kirker, der ligger i bjergklipper, finder du fantastisk skiløb og smukke søer - og strandene på halvøen Istrien er kun en kort køretur væk. Sloveniens fire-sæsonklima er mildest i sine kystbyer ved Adriaterhavet.
Livet er overkommeligt i Slovenien:En etværelses lejlighed i hovedstaden Ljubljana udlejes for omkring 600 USD om måneden, ifølge leveomkostningswebstedet Numbeo, og restauranter, underholdning og dagligvarer er også rimelige.
Alle beboere skal betale for den obligatoriske statslige sygesikring, som giver adgang til god sundhedspleje. Det er almindeligt at tilføje en privat, lokal sygeforsikring for yderligere tjenester.
Slovenien har ikke et pensionsvisum for ikke-statsborgere i EU, så en amerikansk pensionist skal ansøge om en etårig midlertidig opholdstilladelse, før han forlader USA.
Og du skal vælge et "formål" for dit visum. Amerikanske seniorer kan ansøge med det formål at studere - såsom at tage sprogundervisning - eller med det formål at blive selvstændig.
Du skal vise, at du har en indkomst, der mindst svarer til den "grundlæggende minimumsindkomst" i Slovenien, som var mindre end $450 om måneden i august 2018.
Den midlertidige tilladelse skal fornyes hvert år. Efter fem år i Slovenien med dette visum kunne du ansøge om permanent ophold.
Malaysia tilbyder pensionister varme og kultur til en fantastisk pris. Kuala Lumpur, hovedstaden, har lave leveomkostninger og masser af gratis aktiviteter, som at slentre gennem Perdana Botaniske Have og beundre udsigten over de skyhøje Petronas Twin Towers.
Temperaturer varierer mellem 77 grader Fahrenheit og en fugtig 95 i løbet af året. Bemærk, at der er en monsunsæson fra oktober til marts.
Et billigt lokalt måltid koster 3 USD i Kuala Lumpur, mens en tre-retters middag for to koster kun 18 USD. Den gennemsnitlige leje for en etværelses lejlighed i byens centrum er mindre end 600 USD om måneden, siger Numbeo.
Den kulturelle smeltedigel i Penang er endnu billigere:Et etværelses der lejes for kun omkring 230 USD om måneden.
For pensionister over 50 år kræver ansøgning til Malaysias "My Second Home" (MM2H)-program bevis på omkring $86.150 i offshore-likvide aktiver og en månedlig indkomst på $2.500.
Når du er godkendt, skal du åbne en malaysisk "fast indskudskonto" og holde $37.000 på den i et år. Derefter vil regeringen kræve, at du opretholder en minimumsaldo på $24.600, så længe du bliver.
Selvom Malaysia generelt er meget sikkert, er det en god idé at investere i hjemmets sikkerhed, undgå at medbringe værdigenstande i turistområder og holde sig væk fra den østlige Sabah-region.
Nationen tilbyder sundhedspleje i verdensklasse og effektive private klinikker til lave priser, og engelsk tales udbredt i større byer.
Med sin rige kultur og historie, smukke naturlandskaber og overkommelige leveomkostninger er Vietnam en helt speciel pensionistdestination.
To mennesker kan leve for omkring 1.500 USD om måneden i større byer – og hvis du tager til strandbyerne Nha Trang eller Da Nang, kan du leve lykkeligt for mindre end 1.000 USD om måneden.
Nha Trang er hjemsted for masser af expats og vestlige restauranter, mens Da Nang er en moderne by med en strand og et tempereret klima. En et-værelses i begge byer lejes for under $400 om måneden.
Til disse priser vil du have masser af midler til overs til at udforske Vietnams solrige kyster, buddhistiske pagoder og franske koloniale levn – og nyde den velsmagende gademad og det unikke køkken, der blander franske, cambodjanske og kinesiske smage.
Hvis du ikke er gift med en statsborger eller har familie i Vietnam, skal du ansøge om visum for at blive i landet på længere sigt.
Vietnam har ikke et specialiseret pensionsprogram. I stedet kan du ansøge om et etårigt visum til flere indrejser, som kræver, at du forlader landet hver 90. dag.
Selvom Vietnam tilbyder perfekt passende sundhedspleje, skal du muligvis flyve til Thailand eller Singapore for en alvorlig medicinsk situation.
Med sine sandstrande og smukke kolonibyer betragtes Mexicos Yucatan-halvø - som omfatter turisthotspottet Cancun - som et af de sikreste områder for internationale pensionister.
Hvis småbylivet tiltaler mere end bylivet, kan du bosætte dig i Ajijic i det vestlige Mexico, som byder på en fantastisk udsigt over søen og bjergene og nem adgang til Guadalajara Lufthavn.
Du kan leje en etværelses lejlighed for under 400 $ om måneden i nærheden af Ajijic, og et par dollars om ugen vil købe poser med friske lokale råvarer og fisk. Du havde nemt råd til at rejse og opleve den kulturelle rigdom i Mexicos forskellige regioner.
Mexicos private sygeforsikring bliver dyrere, efterhånden som du bliver ældre, så mange pensionister holder fast i medicinske dækningsordninger fra deres hjemlande. En specialistudnævnelse i Mexico koster $25 til $30 ud af lommen, mens et lægebesøg uden for byer koster kun $10 til $15.
For at gå på pension i Mexico er en mulighed at ansøge om et midlertidigt opholdsvisum på et mexicansk konsulat i USA. Dette visum giver et års ophold og kan fornyes i tre år mere.
Fra januar 2019 skal pensionister, der søger dette visum, vise en opsparingssaldo på $27.000 eller bevis for indkomst fra en udenlandsk pension eller investeringer på $1.620 pr. måned over seks måneder.
Alternativt kan du søge om permanent ophold med det samme. Du skal vise, at du havde en månedlig indkomst på 2.700 USD eller besparelser på omkring $108.000 over de seneste 12 måneder.
Ægtepar bør tilføje yderligere $540 til de månedlige indkomstkrav for begge visumtyper.
Indonesiens 17.000 øer er dækket af livlige byer, smukke templer og paladser, tropiske jungler og bohemestrande. Du kan slappe af i solen eller tage på safari for at opdage landets spektakulære vifte af dyreliv - og alt sammen til lave priser.
En etværelses lejlighed lejes for under 400 dollars om måneden i hovedstaden Jakarta, eller for kun omkring 250 dollars på Bali. En møbleret, større lejlighed på stranden kan koste tre gange så meget.
Mens lokalbefolkningen har en tendens til kun at tale indonesisk, taler mange virksomheder og læger også engelsk.
De bedste hospitaler er i Jakarta, og udlændinge skal betale for tjenester ud af lommen. En generel konsultation koster omkring $40, og indlæggelse kan koste $220 eller mere dagligt, så privat sygeforsikring anbefales.
For at gå på pension i Indonesien skal du ansøge gennem et lokalt agentur, der er udpeget af Generaldirektoratet for Immigration. Agenturet vil fungere som din sponsor og behandle dit midlertidige pensionsvisum eller ITAS.
Visummet er tilgængeligt for ansøgere på 55 år og ældre, som kan vise bevis for pensionsindkomst på $18.000 om året eller $1.500 om måneden.
Du skal også have en sygeforsikring, der giver dækning i Indonesien, og underskrive en lejeaftale for et år. Et sidste krav er at hyre lokal hushjælp, hvilket koster omkring 2,50 USD i timen.
Pensionsvisummet kan fornyes årligt i op til fem år, hvorefter du kan ansøge om permanent ophold.
Peru was the heart of the Inca Empire, and today it's known for its beautiful section of Amazon rainforest and its majestic mountains, tropical jungles and rich culinary tradition. Its cities, including Lima and Cusco, have long and varied histories.
Thanks to its low cost of living and friendly people, Peru is a very hospitable option for international retirees.
In popular expat destinations such as Arequipa and Cusco, a one-bedroom apartment rents for less than $350 a month, and a nicer three-course meal for two costs between $10 and $12.
Peruvian public health care is affordable, but expats tend to have their own health insurance and use private clinics. The main health concern for newcomers is altitude sickness in Peru's high elevations.
Peru has an accessible retirement visa called the rentista visa, which gives holders permanent resident status. With this visa, you won’t need to renew your residency permit or pay income tax of any kind.
To qualify, you’ll need to show that you have a permanent monthly income of $1,000 for one person, plus $500 per dependent.
To maintain the visa, you must spend a minimum six months of the year in Peru.
The Mediterranean islands of Malta boast year-round sunshine and a unique mix of prehistoric and colonial history and architecture.
English is the second official language after Maltese, making for an easy transition for North American retirees.
On the island of Gozo, a centrally located one-bedroom apartment rents for less than $500 monthly, on average.
Malta also offers excellent health care at a fraction of the cost in the U.S. To access the system, you’ll need private health insurance coverage, which can cost less than $115 per month for those without chronic health conditions.
Malta offers a renewable one-year visa for retirees and self-employed seniors.
Americans and Canadians may visit Malta for 90 days. Once there, you can apply to extend your stay for another three months. And then, you may apply for a permanent resident visa.
You’ll need to show you have at least 23,500 euros (more than $26,500) in the bank, or 28,500 euros (more than $32,000) if you’re married.
You’ll also need to demonstrate proof of health insurance, a mortgage or rental contract, and a clear criminal record. Finally, you’ll file a Maltese tax return and follow the minimum tax requirements.
Ecuador has become very popular with North American retirees thanks to its temperate climate and stunning landscape of sandy beaches and mountains, metropolitan cities and the famous Galapagos Islands.
The U.S. dollar is used as the official currency, and seniors 65 and older qualify for half-price public and private transportation services, plus discounts on utilities, entertainment and even flights.
Ecuador also has one of the most peaceful political climates in South America, especially in communities popular with American retirees, including Quito, the capital, and the smaller town of Cuenca.
The monthly rent on a one-bedroom apartment is only about $430 in central Quito and about $360 in Cuenca, Numbeo says. Ecuador also offers high-quality private health care options.
Since visitors can stay in the country for only 90 days, it’s a good idea to apply for the country’s 9-I pensioner visa at an Ecuadorian consulate in the U.S.
The visa requires proof that you will have a monthly pension income of $800 or more. Your Social Security check can qualify as proof of income.
The process costs $500 plus a $50 visa application fee. Once you’re accepted, you’ll need to sign up for public or private health insurance.
Another option to gain residency in Ecuador is to buy real estate costing $25,000 or more (plus $500 per dependent) under the 9-II visa for investors in real estate and securities.
Thailand is home to spectacular beaches, beautiful palaces and ancient ruins. And Bangkok, the country's capital and commercial center, offers all the shopping, arts and other amenities you could want.
The hot season can bring 105-degree Fahrenheit heat — so the best time for outdoor activities is between November and March, when temperatures hover around 86.
You can live comfortably on $1,500 to $2,000 per month in coastal Phuket, where a one-bedroom apartment rents for less than $400 a month. In northern Chiang Mai, a full dinner for two can cost less than $10.
Thailand's health care system is considered one of the best in the world, and prices for medical care are significantly lower than in the U.S. The top private hospitals are in Bangkok.
Thailand’s retirement visa accepts applicants ages 50 and over with no criminal history.
The government asks to see proof of:about $25,700, either in a bank account or as pension income; or monthly income of about $2,100. To add a spouse to your application, you’ll need to provide a marriage certificate.
You can apply for a one-year, multiple entry non-immigrant O-A visa before leaving the U.S. and renew it each year from within Thailand.
While living in the country, you’ll need to report to an immigration officer or police station every 90 days with your approved documents.
Chile’s temperate four-season climate is perfect for wine production — and for exploring the country’s miles of coastline and beautiful mountains in your retirement.
Urbanites will enjoy the diverse and modern city of Santiago, while those looking for relaxation may find the perfect spot on the shores of La Serena or amid the bohemian vibe of Valparaiso.
You could retire in Chile on about $1,500 a month, which would be easy to cover if you're receiving Social Security or a pension.
Groceries, especially fresh produce, are cheaper in Chile. A nice, three-course meal for two goes for $40 to $45, and a one-bedroom apartment rents for around $400 outside of Santiago or under $300 on the outskirts of Valparaiso, says Numbeo.
If you'd like to retire in Chile, first enter the country on a regular tourist visa, and then apply to upgrade to a retirement or income visa while you’re there.
Once you’re approved for a temporary visa, you’ll need to apply for a Rol Único Tributario (RUT) number, which is similar to a Social Security number. This ID number is necessary to open a bank account, sign up for phone and internet services, and much more.
The government doesn’t specify an income requirement, but you’ll typically need an income of at least $1,000 per person to get by for the first year or two as you settle in the country, says the Spencer Global law firm in Chile.
Permanent residency requires you to live in Chile for 180 days per year.
Given its sunny climate and the freedom of mobility within the European Union, Spain is a dream retirement destination and a convenient base for travel and adventure.
The cost of living varies among Spanish cities, with Barcelona, Bilbao and Madrid among the priciest. A more affordable option is Valencia, which has plenty of sun, culture and ancient Roman ruins — and is close to even more amazing historic sites in Córdoba and Granada.
The average rent on a one-bedroom apartment in Valencia is about $675. You’ll find comparable prices in the coastal city of Málaga, known for its pristine beaches and Moorish history, or in the city of Murcia, located in a quiet wine region.
Spain’s public health system offers high-quality health care, while affordable private care also is readily available.
To live out your retirement in Spain, you’ll need to show proof of a minimum income of $2,500 per month or $30,000 per year. You’ll also need to secure housing and sign up for health insurance that will cover you in Spain.
From the U.S., you'll need to fill out the necessary paperwork and submit it to the nearest Spanish consulate.
It's recommended that you make several photocopies of your documentation and buy extra passport-sized photos. You'll need those once you get to Spain in order to obtain a foreign visitor number, known as the NIE.
The ID number is your ticket to getting a bank account, internet, health care and most other services in Spain.
Portugal is even more affordable than Spain, and it has all the castles, beaches, wineries and golf you could want, to fill your retirement schedule.
Public transit and train lines make it easy to travel in and between Portugal’s interesting cities. For longer distances, you can rent a car or use a ride-hailing service like Uber.
Apartment rents start at just $375 a month in smaller cities — although you could easily be charged $1,000 in Lisbon. Restaurants are very affordable, with a meal costing less than $10 per person and a mid-range bottle of wine just $5, even in Lisbon.
Most doctors in large cities speak English, and international retirees will benefit from having private insurance.
The first step to getting a residence permit is to visit a Portuguese consulate in the U.S. with your passport, proof of income and health insurance, plus the results of a criminal background check.
The next step will be to apply for permanent residency once you arrive in Portugal.
Since the cost of living varies so much between parts of Portugal, the amount of income you'll need to live comfortably will depend on your destination. But to retire on $200,000, you'll probably want to rule out Lisbon.
Uruguay is a politically stable haven in South America. With its modern infrastructure, lovely mountains and beaches, revelry-filled summers and quiet, temperate winters, you can enjoy your retirement at your own pace.
A couple from the U.S. could live comfortably on just $2,000 per month. For the best price-to-quality ratio, it's estimated you could live on as little as $800 a month in the city of Salto.
If you like the beach, then Atlantida, Piriapolis and La Barra are all affordable seaside towns. In La Barra, you can buy a home starting at $50,000 or rent one for $500 to $700 a month.
Uruguay offers three main health care options:private health-insurance companies; a public health care system; and private hospital membership plans. Those plans, called mutualistas , cost about $100 a month and are popular with expats.
One option to retire in Uruguay is to apply for the rentista visa.
To get one, a single applicant should have a monthly income of about $1,500, plus enough money to cover any dependents.
Uruguay also has a retirement visa that will allow you to import a car and household items duty free, and even apply for a Uruguayan passport.
This visa also has some potential restrictions, so it’s best to contact a Uruguayan lawyer to help you apply.
Costa Rica is one of the most popular retirement destinations for Americans thanks to its breathtaking scenery, affordable and healthy lifestyle, and welcoming people.
In temperate San José and the Central Valley, a couple can live well on $2,000, with an airport, shopping and hospitals nearby. The Nicoya Peninsula offers beach life on a budget, while the city of Atenas has all the amenities you’ll ever need.
In Atenas, a three-bedroom apartment rents for a little over $400, Numbeo says, and a three-course dinner for two costs just $25.
Health care also is affordable in Atenas, which has a public health clinic, pharmacy and emergency room. Some expats choose to pay $75 to $150 for full coverage under Costa Rica's national public health insurance system known as Caja.
Retirees receiving pensions of $1,000 per month can gain a one-year residency under Costa Rica’s pensionado program.
A married couple need to receive only $1,000 in pension income under either spouse’s name. After three years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency.
If you don’t have a pension, you might qualify for the rentista program. You’ll need to prove you will receive $2,500 per month of unearned income for two years, so that you won't need a job in Costa Rica.
The most common way to comply is with a letter showing that you have $60,000 in a bank account and intend to withdraw $2,500 per month for 24 months.
Our top choice, Panama, has it all:bustling city life; a beautiful, ecologically diverse climate; quality medical care; and the iconic Panama Canal. Most people speak English as their second language, after Spanish.
Located just a short flight from Miami and close to the Caribbean, this Central American nation is a great base for traveling throughout the region.
Panama City is surprisingly affordable:Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about $960 a month, while the same size living space farther out goes for about $625 a month.
You can save some money by living without a car. The city is very walkable, and public transportation costs a one-time fee of $2 for a rechargeable card and then just 35 cents per ride.
Panama has an amazing retirement (pensionado ) program that subsidizes medical care and expenses, property taxes and car taxes, and offers many other benefits for retirees of any age .
To gain residency, all you need is proof that you're receiving a minimum $1,000 monthly pension from back in your home country.
With all these perks, it’s hard to find a reason not to retire in Panama!
More: Personal Capital offers free financial and money management tools so you can retire with control and comfort.